BLE Access Control Using RSSI Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems using RFID technology face limitations due to short range, high energy consumption, limited device compatibility, and the need for additional components, leading to increased costs and user inconvenience, especially in applications like leisure activities where barriers can reduce enjoyment and capacity.

Innovation Solution

The method employs Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for access control, utilizing BLE transceiver units connected to a CPU and storage to evaluate IDs from mobile devices or data carriers, measuring signal strength to determine location and verify access authorizations, allowing for longer range and lower energy consumption, and potentially eliminating physical barriers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID transponders are used for access control, then access authorization verification is achieved, but the range is relatively short and energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess authorization verificationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from conventional RFID frequencies to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) frequencies, enabling longer range (up to 100 meters) and lower energy consumption while maintaining access control functionality through ID broadcasting and RSSI-based localization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If RFID transponders are used for access control, then access authorization verification is achieved, but the number of supported mobile devices is relatively small

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess authorization verificationVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the access control system universal by using Bluetooth Low Energy technology, which is supported by a wide range of mobile devices including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, eliminating the limitation of RFID's smaller device ecosystem and enabling users to utilize existing devices for access control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If barriers are employed in access control devices, then access control function is achieved, but access comfort is reduced and stress is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionVSAvoidaccess comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical barrier system with a contactless electronic access control system using BLE technology. Instead of physical barriers that block access, the system uses wireless communication to verify authorization and control access, eliminating the mechanical blocking effect and improving user comfort while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If barriers are employed in access control devices, then access control function is achieved, but the carrying capacity of transport means is not fully utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionVSAvoidcarrying capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical barriers with contactless electronic verification, allowing users to pass through access control points without physical obstruction. This enables continuous flow and full utilization of transport capacity, as users can move through the system without being blocked by barriers, thereby maximizing the carrying capacity of cable cars and ski lifts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances access control efficiency and user experience by extending range up to 100 meters with reduced energy consumption, improving compatibility, and potentially eliminating barriers, thus optimizing system performance and user enjoyment.

Implementation Method 1

verification of an access authorization is effected by way of evaluating an ID sent at regular intervals from a mobile electronic device nearest an access control device or a data carrier nearest an access control device via the Bluetooth Low Energy Standard (called BLE hereunder) as part of a 'broadcasting'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9715773B2Method and system for access control

Publication Date: 2017.07.25 SKIDATA AG

AI summary

A method for access control wherein verification of access authorization is effected by evaluating an ID sent at regular intervals from a mobile electronic device or a data carrier nearest an access control device (3, 4, 5, 6), via bluetooth low energy standard as part of a “broadcasting”, to which at least one access authorization is unequivocally assigned, which is received by BLE transceiver units (TRX-1, TRX-2, TRX-3, TRX-4) connected to a computer comprising a CPU and storage located within range of the mobile electronic device or the data carrier. Localization of the mobile electronic devices or the data carriers is carried out by evaluation of the RSSI, wherein the signal strength is measured, with which that signal of a mobile electronic device or a data carrier is received, which contains the ID of BLE transceiver units (TRX-1, TRX-2, TRX-3, TRX-4).